Places in News: South Sudan

Places in News: South Sudan

  • Context:

  • UN human rights experts have recently warned that South Sudan is standing at a critical juncture, rapidly descending into a catastrophic human rights and humanitarian crisis.

  • Concurrently, the United Nations has highlighted and lauded the critical interventions of Indian peacekeepers in stabilizing parts of the volatile region.

  • About South Sudan:

  • South Sudan is a landlocked country located in East-Central Africa, having gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.

  • borders the Republic of the Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.

  • Climate:

  • Lying close to the equator, the average minimum and maximum temperatures in South Sudan remain much the same throughout the year.

  • The central and southern regions of South Sudan are covered by tropical forests.

  • Major rivers in South Sudan include the Lol and Jur Rivers and the White Nile.

  • South Sudan has several mineral resources, including copper, iron ore, tungsten, silver, and gold.

  • Lack of safe drinking water and desertification remain pressing environmental problems in South Sudan.

  • The process of desertification has increased because of overgrazing.

  • Escalating Human Rights and Humanitarian Crisis:

  • The ongoing conflict and instability have taken a severe toll on the civilian population.

  • In 2026 alone, it is reported that over 267,000 people have been displaced in Jonglei state alone.

  • UNMISS and India’s Crucial Role:

  • The United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) was established by a UN Security Council resolution in July 2011, immediately following the birth of the new nation.

  • Its primary mandate is to consolidate peace, ensure security, and help establish conditions conducive to development.

  • India plays a foundational role in these peacekeeping efforts.

  • As of January 2026, India is the top troop-contributing country to UNMISS, with a deployment of 1,779 personnel.

  • The UN specifically lauded Indian peacekeepers for their "vital role" in successfully re-opening a critical supply route (Malakal-Renk main supply route via New Paloich), that had been severely impacted by floods the previous year.